Camp Best Friends Atlanta: A Local Guide to the City’s Signature Summer Camp Program

If you live in Atlanta and are searching for an affordable, structured, and fun summer camp option, you’ve probably heard about Camp Best Friends. It’s one of the City of Atlanta’s flagship youth programs and a go-to choice for many local families who want a safe place for kids to learn, play, and stay active when school is out.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what Camp Best Friends is, how it works, what to expect, and how to get started.

What Is Camp Best Friends?

Camp Best Friends is a summer day camp program run by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. It typically operates at multiple recreation centers and facilities throughout Atlanta, making it accessible to families in different neighborhoods.

While details can change by year, the program is usually designed for school-age children and teens, with structured activities that combine:

• Recreation and sports
• Arts and crafts
• Educational enrichment
• Field trips and special events
• Social and life skills development

The goal is to keep kids engaged, safe, and supervised during the summer months while offering working families an option that is often more affordable than many private camps.

Who Can Attend Camp Best Friends?

Exact age ranges can vary by location and year, but Camp Best Friends is generally geared toward:

• Younger children (often starting around age 5 or elementary school age)
• Pre-teens and middle schoolers
• Teens at certain select sites or specialized programs

Many Atlanta families use Camp Best Friends for:

• Children enrolled in APS (Atlanta Public Schools) or metro-area schools
• Kids who need full-day supervision while parents or caregivers work
• Youth who benefit from structured routine and positive social settings in the summer

Check the specific year’s program details to confirm eligible ages, as well as any documentation required (such as proof of residency or school enrollment).

Where Is Camp Best Friends Held in Atlanta?

Camp Best Friends is typically hosted at various City of Atlanta recreation centers and facilities around the city. Some commonly used types of locations include:

• City recreation centers (neighborhood-based)
• Natatoriums or aquatic centers for swim-related options
• Parks and multi-use facilities for sports and outdoor play

Because locations can change based on renovations, staffing, and demand, the most current list is usually available through the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation.

Key City Contact for Camp Best Friends

You can usually get up-to-date information, registration assistance, and site locations through:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
– Central administrative offices (commonly associated with City Hall and DPR HQ)
– Main city information line: (404) 330-6000 (ask to be connected to Parks and Recreation or summer camp programs)

Many local recreation centers also provide camp information directly by phone or in person at their front desks.

Typical Schedule and Daily Structure

Camp Best Friends is generally a day camp, not an overnight camp. While exact times can vary by site, you can usually expect:

• Weekday schedule (Monday–Friday)
• Full-day hours (commonly around 7:30/8:00 a.m. to mid/late afternoon)
• Session blocks that might run for several weeks at a time

A typical day might include:

• Morning check-in and group activities
• Rotating stations (sports, art, reading/learning, games)
• Lunch and snack breaks
• Outdoor time (weather permitting)
• End-of-day wrap-up and pick-up

Some sites may also offer early drop-off or late pick-up windows, which can be important for working parents. Always verify times with your specific site before camp begins.

What Kind of Activities Are Offered?

Activities are designed to be age-appropriate, active, and enriching. Depending on the site and year, Camp Best Friends in Atlanta often includes:

• Sports and fitness: basketball, soccer, relay games, general fitness
• Swimming or water play at locations with pools or splash features
• Arts and crafts: drawing, painting, simple DIY projects
• STEM or academic enrichment: reading time, basic science activities, math games
• Group games and team-building: scavenger hunts, team challenges, cooperative games
• Field trips or special events: visits to Atlanta attractions, guest speakers, or themed days

Some sites may specialize more in sports, aquatics, or teen programming, depending on the facilities and staff.

Cost, Payments, and Financial Considerations

One of the reasons Camp Best Friends is so popular in Atlanta is that it is designed to be accessible. While pricing changes over time and can depend on residency and income, families often see:

• A set weekly or session fee
• Possible resident vs. non-resident rates (City of Atlanta residents may pay less)
• Occasional income-based or need-based assistance at certain sites or through city programs

Because fees, discounts, and available assistance can change, it’s best to:

1. Contact your local recreation center where you plan to enroll.
2. Ask about current rates, payment plans, and any available assistance programs.
3. Confirm what’s included in the fee (such as snacks, lunch, field trips, or t-shirts).

How to Register for Camp Best Friends in Atlanta

Registration is usually handled directly through the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation system or at individual recreation centers.

Typical Steps to Register

1. Identify your preferred site

   • Find the recreation center or facility closest to your home or work.
   • Confirm that the site is hosting Camp Best Friends for the upcoming summer.

2. Gather required documents
   Commonly requested items may include:

   • Proof of Atlanta residency (if applicable)
   • Child’s age verification (such as a birth certificate)
   • Emergency contact information
   • Any relevant medical or allergy information

3. Complete registration forms

   • These may be available online or at the recreation center front desk.
   • Some seasons require creating an account in the city’s recreation registration system.

4. Pay fees and secure a spot

   • Many Atlanta families report that spots can fill quickly, especially at popular centers.
   • If possible, register as soon as the city announces that enrollment has opened.

5. Confirm start date, times, and expectations

   • Ask about drop-off and pick-up procedures, what your child should bring, and any dress code (for example, closed-toe shoes, swimwear on certain days).

What Parents in Atlanta Typically Want to Know

Is Camp Best Friends Safe?

Safety is a core focus, and as a city-run program, Camp Best Friends typically uses:

• Background-checked staff
• Established camper-to-staff ratios
• Standard check-in and check-out procedures
• Rules about authorized pick-up persons

If safety is a top concern for you (as it is for many parents), you can:

• Ask your site’s coordinator about staff training, emergency plans, and supervision ratios.
• Request details about pool safety, if swimming is included.

Should My Child Pack Lunch?

Food policies vary between locations and years. Some Camp Best Friends sites:

• Provide lunch or snacks through city or partner programs.
• Require families to send a packed lunch and snack each day.

Always confirm:

• Whether nut-free or allergy-aware policies are in place.
• Whether refrigeration or microwaves are available (many day camps do not offer this).
• Any restrictions on drinks or snacks.

What Should My Child Bring?

Common items for an Atlanta summer camp day can include:

• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
• Closed-toe shoes for sports and outdoor play
• Refillable water bottle (important in Atlanta heat)
• Sunscreen (applied at home, with extra if allowed)
• Swimsuit and towel on pool days (if applicable)
• Any medically necessary items, coordinated with staff

Avoid sending valuables or electronics unless your camp location gives specific guidance.

Example Overview: What a Camp Best Friends Week Might Look Like

This simple table can help you picture the general rhythm of a week at a typical Camp Best Friends site in Atlanta. Exact schedules will vary, but this gives a sense of what many families experience.

Use this as a planning guide, then adjust based on your specific site’s information.

Tips for Atlanta Families Considering Camp Best Friends

Here are a few practical tips, especially for first-time families:

• Register early 🕐
  Atlanta families often find that popular sites fill quickly, particularly in neighborhoods with fewer camp options.

• Choose a convenient location
  With Atlanta traffic in mind, pick a site near home, work, or along your commute to keep drop-off and pick-up manageable.

• Ask about transportation
  Some seasons or sites may coordinate group trips or have specific transportation guidelines for field trips; know how your child will get to special activities.

• Plan for the heat ☀️
  Atlanta summers are hot and humid. Pack a water bottle, light clothing, and consider clothing that protects from the sun.

• Stay in touch with staff
  Make sure the recreation center has your current phone number and email, and ask if they use bulletin boards or handouts to share weekly updates.

How Camp Best Friends Fits into the Larger Atlanta Summer Options

For many families in Atlanta, Camp Best Friends serves as:

• A primary full-summer care solution
• A bridge between specialized camps (like sports or arts intensives) and family vacations
• An entry-level camp experience for younger children before trying overnight or specialty camps

If you’re comparing options, Camp Best Friends often stands out for:

• Being city-run and community-based
• Offering structured, supervised programming at a cost many families find more attainable
• Operating at familiar neighborhood recreation centers

If you live or work in Atlanta and need a reliable, local summer camp, Camp Best Friends is usually one of the first programs worth exploring through the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation or your nearest city recreation center.